NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut by Jody Jamieson 27/2/2009
We’ve talked about bloodlines in this years draft, and Darius Butler of UConn has some of the more impressive bloodlines among the 2009 prospects. Willis McGahee is a cousin of Butler. His uncle Gene Atkins was also a safety for the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins in the 90’s. Unfortunately Atkins is one of many former NFL players feeling the effects of concussions after their playing careers are over, and he is suffering from the early stages of dementia due to injuries sustained playing football. Atkins story is a sad, but all too true story of life in football, and when you see hits like the one McGahee absorbed in the AFC Championship Game, it brings home the sacrifice of playing the game we all love. McGahee will hopefully make a full recovery, unlike Atkins. One can only hope that Butler doesn’t suffer a similar fate in the NFL.
It’s always cool to see guys under 6 foot tall dunking a basketball, and I have a video at the bottom of his basketball skills. Of course, Shaun Rogers of the Cleveland Browns can also dunk a basketball and he weighs the same as two Darius Butler’s, so let’s not read too much into it, but I thought I’d include it anyway! Butler though is an impressive athlete who makes plays on the ball anywhere. He leaps high, dives low, and makes up ground in an instant. He’s a really interesting prospect who I really though was going to light up the Combine with his 40 time. We all know the 40 is the event at the combine that can really make or break a prospect, and the timed speed of Darius Butler ended up a bit of a disappointment. Of course, that being said any player is more than just a 40 time, and Butler is a talented guy with huge upside and may sneak into the first round with a little luck. It’s more likely he’s a second round prospect, but he’s a good player who can double up as a kick returner in his rookie year.
What we like about Butler
Outstanding athlete with good speed and could be a real playmaker in the NFL. His interception numbers weren’t too high in college, but teams were obviously wary about throwing in his direction. Instinctive player who makes quick decisions. Will likely return kicks in the pros. Lots of experience and was a strong voice in the huddle. Good ball skills, and there’s always an element of risk when you throw his way.
Question marks about Butler
Not particularly big and isn’t much of a tackler. He does wrap up fairly well, but isn’t impressive tackling head on. Isn’t going to be asked to play much press coverage in the pros due to his lack of strength. Tries to jump routes a bit too much and plays a risky game.
Highlight of his college career
Butler was voted first team All-Big East in 2008. Despite not recording a single interception in his senior year, his value to the Huskies was rightly recognised.
Other snippets
5′ 10″ tall and weighed in at 183 lbs at the Combine. He ran a 4.45 40 yard dash. Had a sensational 43 inch jump at the combine. Only fellow corner Donald Washington from Ohio State (45 inches) had a better jump among all the prospects at the Combine. Played some wide receiver in college, which is always an advantage for corners. It’s aways easier to cover a receiver when you have experience playing the position. Enticing enough to fit into almost any scheme, but is most likely to play a lot of man coverage in the pros. Best chance of going in the first is with Miami. Will interest Green Bay and Denver in Round 2.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
It’s always cool to see guys under 6 foot tall dunking a basketball, and I have a video at the bottom of his basketball skills. Of course, Shaun Rogers of the Cleveland Browns can also dunk a basketball and he weighs the same as two Darius Butler’s, so let’s not read too much into it, but I thought I’d include it anyway! Butler though is an impressive athlete who makes plays on the ball anywhere. He leaps high, dives low, and makes up ground in an instant. He’s a really interesting prospect who I really though was going to light up the Combine with his 40 time. We all know the 40 is the event at the combine that can really make or break a prospect, and the timed speed of Darius Butler ended up a bit of a disappointment. Of course, that being said any player is more than just a 40 time, and Butler is a talented guy with huge upside and may sneak into the first round with a little luck. It’s more likely he’s a second round prospect, but he’s a good player who can double up as a kick returner in his rookie year.
